Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) in Philippines

A national regular holiday

Republic Act No. 9849 made the tenth day of Zhul Hijja, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, a national holiday for Eidul Adha and placed it among the country’s regular holidays. Presidential proclamations announce the actual date after it has been determined using the Islamic or lunar calendar, or Islamic astronomical calculations, with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos recommending the date.[1][2]

A regular holiday is recognized nationwide, rather than only in Muslim-majority provinces. That status does not mean every workplace or service follows the same schedule: check directly with an employer, government office, bank, shop, or transport operator before making plans. Eid al-Adha’s date is set by presidential proclamation, and no substitute day is specified.[1][2]

Meaning and religious background

Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to obey God’s command to sacrifice his son; in the Islamic account, God spared the son and provided an animal for sacrifice. It also marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, an important pillar of Islam. These religious meanings are shared by Muslims around the world, while the legal recognition of Eid as a national regular holiday is specific to the Philippines.[1][3]

Prayer, sharing, and family visits

In the Philippines, Eid congregations commonly begin with prayer in the morning. The University of the Philippines Institute of Islamic Studies describes the day as a time for community gathering and Udhiya, or Qurban: the slaughter of a goat or cow in remembrance of Ibrahim, with some of the meat distributed to families in need.[3]

The National Museum of the Philippines describes communal prayer, recitation, wearing fine clothes, visiting other households, and sharing local delicacies and drinks as parts of Eid feasting traditions. A University of the Philippines account also describes family gatherings with invited guests, known in its account as kanduri. Customs and meals can differ among communities, so these examples should not be taken as a single national menu or uniform practice.[3][4]

Planning around the holiday

Because the holiday date moves on the Gregorian calendar, use the officially announced date for the year in question when arranging work, appointments, or travel. The national holiday designation sets the observance day. Check opening hours and schedules with the specific bank, shop, transport service, office or venue before you go.[1][2]